Gears of War: Judgment Haven map and Execution Mode detailed

Gears of War: Judgment will receive two free pieces of launch window DLC with a new map and gameplay mode.

Haven is an ancient monastery in a frozen wasteland which was once a tropical oasis. It boasts an asymmetrical circular layout, with all paths hanneling back to the centre, which People Can Fly’s Jim Brown says means nowhere is ever really safe.

“It makes for especially hectic Domination games because the rings are easy to access and difficult to defend,” he said.

Long sight lines mean sniper perches can be utilised thanks to the Torquebow and Breechshot, and better defended with a Boomshield, but can be countered with the Booshka or the Digger Launcher.

The other addition is Execution mode, a team-based deathmatch in which players must be executed or they’ll revive at the end of a countdown timer, robbing you of your kill.

The two content drops apparently come courtesy of Maxim (somehow) and will become available on April 2. Being free, they’re presumably not part of the $20 season pass. The Xbox 360-exclusive Gears of War Judgment drops in early March.